A former Ararat mayor could return to the council chamber.
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Fay Hull was deemed the successful candidate at a countback on Monday to fill the chair vacated by Glenda McLean.
Ms McLean’s votes from the October 2016 election were re-distributed with Fay Hull, Gary Hull, Frank Deutsch, Murray Winston Woods and Bernardine Atkinson eligible to fill the position as councillor.
Fay and Gary Hull were not in attendance at the countback at Ararat and Grampians visitor information centre and were unavailable for comment.
Following the result, Ms Hull was informed of her success and has until 11.30am Wednesday to sign and return the declaration form which would make the result official.
If the form is not returned in that deadline, another countback will occur to fill the vacancy.
Ms Hull polled 222 first preference votes in the 2016 election which equated to 3.23 per cent of the overall vote which followed her election to the council unopposed in 2012.
Ms Hull has previously served as multiple terms as an Ararat councillor, including time as mayor.
She testified at the state government's Commission of Inquiry into the council in July, speaking about the history of differential rates and financial struggles in town and on farms.
The countback was to fill the vacancy of Ms McLean, who resigned as councillor and mayor on April 20.
Dr Bernardine Atkinson used the countback to bring attention to concerns she had regarding the process to count votes.
She claims a lack of transparency could be deceiving to the public.
“I think it is important the public realise it is only the first preferences that get re-allocated,” she said.
Dr Atkinson also expressed her dissatisfaction at the use of electronic resources along with allegations that votes had been removed in the counting process of recent elections.
Victorian Electoral Commision director of communication and engagement Sue Lang denied the allegations.
“I can state that ballot papers are handled in accordance with VEC instructions at all times, any previous complaints on this matter have been dealt with and are considered closed,” she said.
A second countback to fill the seat vacated by Darren Ford is scheduled for June 6 at 11.30am.
Mr Ford stepped down from council on May 9, becoming the third resignation since the October 2016 election.